Diarrheoa outbreak: Health department pressed into action

With a sudden spurt of diarrheoa cases in Hargobind Nagar and adjoining areas, the health department has been pressed into action. Health officials also took water samples that residents claim has been contaminated due to a leaked sewerage line in the area.

With a sudden spurt of diarrheoa cases in Hargobind Nagar and adjoining areas, the health department has been pressed into action. Health officials also took water samples that residents claim has been contaminated due to a leaked sewerage line in the area.

Infuriated residents also held a protest demonstration against area councilor Narinder Malli on Tuesday and accused him of inaction in providing relief to the residents. On the other hand, the health department has also organised a medical camp in the area to examine the residents who are visiting doctors.

More than 15 diarrheoa patients from the area were admitted to different hospitals of the city. It has been learnt that at least seven diarrheoa patients were admitted to Toor Hospital and two to the civil hospital. Residents claim that some patients were admitted to other hospitals.

Dr Ramesh Kumar, district epidemiologist, said after the confirmation of diarrheoa cases from the area, a medical camp was organised and residents were examined. "We have asked the municipal corporation (MC) to stop the water supply in the area immediately and start providing water tankers to the residents," said Dr Ramesh.

He said precise cause of spread of diarrheoa would come to the fore only after the results of samples are received from laboratory.

However, the residents still claim that a road that was constructed more than a year ago was again dug to lay a sewer line. "The sewerage board dug the road but did not fill it. It is the fault of the MC and the sewerage board that so many people are suffering from diarrheoa," said Mohammad Rafiq, a local resident.

Meanwhile, Narinder Malli claimed that the sewerage board dug the line for its re-conditioning. "A 36-inch line was to be laid in the area for which the work was completed a month ago. I have asked the MC and the sewerage board to explain the cause of delay in completion of work. Contractor who did the work would also be taken to the task," said Malli.